How to Write a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

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How to Write a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an
Opinion
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What you need to know

• The topic will be current and familiar to teens.
• You must write an intro, body paragraphs, and a
• conclusion.
• You must state a clear opinion. No fence sitting!
• You must support your opinion with clear facts,
• examples, or reasons. (You can make these up)

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On the OSSLT

• Task Write a minimum of three paragraphs
  expressing an opinion on the topic below.
  Develop your main idea with supporting details
  (proof, facts, examples, etc.).
•  
• Purpose and
• Audience An adult who is interested in your
  opinion.
•  
• Length The lined space provided for your
  written work indicates the approximate length
  of the writing expected. (250 400 words)
• Topic Should students have to wear school
  uniforms?

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STEP 1 Make a chart outlining differences
between the sides
Yes No
Looks professional Looks stupid, kids get made fun of
More respect from students No individuality lack of uniqueness
Convenient, no planning needed Uniforms are expensive, kids still have to buy more clothes
School is for academics, not style Students still competitive hair, shoes
All students wearing same thing, so no competition Kids are being taught that stealing is okay.
Uniforms are inexpensive
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STEP 2 Choose your side

• I believe that _students should have to wear
  school uniforms____________________

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STEP 3 Choose 3 points to back up your side and
provide an explanation and proof for each

• Point 1 _______Students would look more
  professional____________
• Explanation/Proof _____Young people should know
  how to properly dress for the workplace___________
  _______________________
•  
• Point 2 ____School is for academics, not
  style___________________
• Explanation/Proof __School is not a fashion
  show, kids should know the real purpose of going
  to school, name-brand clothes cause a__________
  distraction_______________________________________
  _____
•  
• Point 3 ___Uniforms are inexpensive______________
  ____________
• Explanation/Proof ___Uniforms last, not much
  variety is needed, less__ expensive in the long
  run__________________________________

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STEP 4 Write your THESIS

• A thesis is one concise sentence stating your
  side and the 3 points which will be explained in
  your essay. Always found at the VERY END of your
  introductory paragraph.
• THESIS I believe uniforms are a positive thing
  because they make the students look more
  professional, allow them to focus on academics,
  and are less expensive than most name-brand
  clothes.

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STEP 5 Write your Series of Paragraphs in ROUGH!
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Introduction

• This paragraph should include
• Hook- a sentence that grabs the readers
  attention
• General Statement about your topic
• Thesis a concise sentence stating your opinion
  and the 3 points you will further discuss to back
  up your opinion

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Body Paragraphs

• One body paragraph for each point.
• Include your explanation and proof for each
  point.
• Paragraph format topic sentence, supporting
• evidence, concluding sentence

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Conclusion

• Restate the Thesis
• Summarize Arguments
• Final Thought
• NEVER introduce new information in the conclusion

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Example Should Students Have to Wear Uniforms?

• Many people today say that school has become a
  more violent place because there are so many
  gangs that identify themselves by what they wear.
  This problem would stop if only all schools
  adopted a uniform for their students to wear. I
  believe uniforms are a positive thing because
  they make the students look more professional,
  allow them to focus on academics, and are less
  expensive than most name-brand clothes.
• One reason schools should have uniforms is
  because it would make the students look more
  professional. Young people need to start learning
  how to dress appropriately in the workplace, and
  having them wear proper uniforms would be a good
  step toward teaching them how proper clothes
  should be worn.  
• Another reason uniforms are good is because
  school is a place for learning, not a fashion
  show. Many kids seem to feel that its more
  important to look good, when the real purpose of
  going to school is to get an education.
  Name-brand clothes only distract kids from their
  studies, and if everyone only had to worry about
  one thing to wear every day, it would be easier
  to focus on work.
• Uniforms are less expensive than most
  name-brand labels in stores today, which come in
  and go out of style quickly. People only need to
  buy a couple pairs of pants, two or three shirts,
  and they are good for the year. Uniforms are of a
  good quality, and will last as long as the person
  can fit into them.
• There are many positive aspects to having
  students wear uniforms in schools. If uniforms
  were adopted at all schools, students would not
  only look more professional but would be better
  prepared for the workplace. A uniform would
  also force students to focus on academics as
  opposed to the last fashion trends to show off in
  the hallways, not to mention they are less
  expensive in the long run compared to many
  name-brand clothing.

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TIPS

• Use linking words and phrases to connect
• ideas
• Emphasis Words
• Also, again, in fact, for this reason, most
  importantly
• Clarifying Words
• For example, that is, for instance, such as, like
• Summarizing Words
• Finally, in conclusion, therefore, as a result